MCWP-3-11.3-Scouting-and-Patrolling

PART 2. INFANTRY PATROLLINGCHAPTER 8. FUNDAMENTALS OF INFANTRY PATROLLINGThis chapter begins Part 2 and provides basic information about infantry patrols;specifically, their purpose, types, and missions. Infantry patrol training is alsoaddressed and keys to successful patrolling are presented. Subsequent chapters ofthis part cover patrol organization, preparation, movement, and reconnaissanceactions.8001. DEFINITIONSA patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forcessent out for the purpose of gathering information orcarrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up orsecurity mission (Joint Publication [JP] 1-02). Themission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fireteam, squad, platoon or company.8002. RELATION OF PATROLLING TOSCOUTINGinformation. Modern warfare places a high premiumon effective patrolling because units have larger areasof operations and can be threatened from alldirections. As distances between units increase, morepatrolling becomes necessary to prevent infiltration byguerrillas or small enemy units, as well as to maintaincontact with friendly adjacent units. Active patrollingby numerous small groups is needed to locate theenemy and gather information on the enemy’sdisposition, strength, morale, and weapons, as well asgather and confirm information about the terrain.8004. TYPES OF PATROLSEach patrol member must be knowledgeable in theprinciples of scouting and maintain membership of alarger team. To develop the teamwork skills requiredamong the members of a patrol, additional trainingbeyond the basic principles is necessary to become awell-trained scout. A patrol member must respondquickly to the decisions and orders of the patrol leader.There must be complete confidence among allmembers of the patrol and the confidence that they, asa team, will be successful in their mission.8003. PURPOSEA commander must have current information aboutthe enemy and the terrain in order to employ the uniteffectively. Patrols are an important means of gainingthis information and are used to destroy enemyinstallations, capture enemy personnel, performsecurity missions or prevent the enemy from gainingClassification as to MissionReconnaissance PatrolReconnaissance patrols gather information about theenemy, terrain or resources. Relying on stealth ratherthan combat strength, they gather this information andfight only when necessary to complete the mission orto defend themselves. The distance covered by reconnaissancepatrols varies based on the terrain andmission. The squad is ideally suited for reconnaissancepatrol missions because of its relative small size andits experience of working together.Combat PatrolA combat patrol is a fighting patrol assigned missionsthat require engagement with the enemy in combat.Larger and more heavily armed than reconnaissancepatrols, combat patrols have a mission to captureenemy documents, provide security, and capture ordestroy enemy equipment and installations. Suchaction is ordinarily followed by a return to friendly